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For many, winter conjures up images of play, exercise and adventure. For others, it reminds them of a tragedy where either they or someone they knew suffered a near-death or worse experience.

This much is for sure: Winter is not to be trifled with.

The winter outdoor enthusiast needs a respect for nature completely different from the summer athlete. Remember, during these winter months you are far from the crowds in a quiet, peaceful world of white one minute, then potentially in a dire situation the next.

So, with that in mind, here are some tips to help keep you safe, or to get you out of a life-threatening situation.

Cross-country skiing

Once you've mastered the art of Nordic skiing with practice on some in-city trails, it's tempting to get out to locations in the wild. Nordic skiers can go fast and far when skiing the backcountry, so you have to follow these rules to ensure your safety:

• Know your terrain. Be sure to have a map of the area you wish to ski and a compass;

• If you plan to make a day of it, wear a backpack complete with food, drink, wax, extra clothing, emergency repair equipment (including a cellphone) and, of course, a first aid kit. If you crash and hurt your leg, you may have to build a shelter to hunker down for the night;

• Know the symptoms of frostbite and hypothermia, and how to deal with them;

• If you plan to ski on lakes or streams, do your research to determine if they’re truly frozen;

• Remember to not venture out too far as you’ll have to make your way back;

On popular trails, remember to give room to pass and to give the right of way to descending skiers.

Winter camping

If you’re going for the first time, begin by asking yourself a few questions.

• Where would you like to go?

• What will you do once you get settled into camp?

The biggest dangers in winter camping are hypothermia and frostbite. You need to pack supplies to protect against both. Consider these tips:

• Take several changes of warm, snug, layered clothing. No cotton. Mittens may be harder to work in, but keep your hands warmer than gloves. Only don gloves when you need to work with your hands, then switch back;

• Your boots should be insulated, waterproof and at least mid-shin in height;

• Count on everything taking twice as long to do, from setting up camp to going to the bathroom;

• Don’t experiment with your shelter. If you really want to build one out of snow, you should have practised before this trip; Alternatively, set up your camping tent as a precaution. Then you can turn your attention to your project of building a Quinzhee or other snow shelter;

• Be sure your sleeping bag will keep you warm to the proper temperature rating;

• Like any camping tip, ensure you have the correct amount of food and water, safety equipment, and that others know your whereabouts and timelines.

Falling through ice

Already this winter, children or adults have drowned falling through ice. It’s sad and a terrifying situation to be in, but with these tips you can survive:

• Get on top of some loose pieces of ice and get your arms on top at the edge;

• For the next one to three minutes get your breathing under control by taking deep breaths with your lips pursed together;

• If you were skiing, get them off, but hang onto them as they could help you get out;

• Orient yourself;

• Move to where you fell in. The ice was strong where you first fell in, and if you try to get out anywhere else, the ice may keep giving way;

• Kick. Pull. Roll: All at the same time, kick to get horizontal and pull to get your elbows on the ice surface; pause to let the water drain from you to lessen the weight; roll away from the hole.

• After five to 10 minutes, you won’t be able to get out; all you can do is get your arms onto the ice surface to let them freeze to the ice so when you pass out, it will keep your face above the water.

As always, whether skiing, snowshoeing, walking or camping, you must be safe.

If you’ve properly prepared and anticipated situations, you’ll be able to enjoy countless outdoor winter activities.

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How to make your winter adventures safe

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